More Hurrah

Hurrah!

Progress Pics

Here I am at 234.2 pounds on March 8th and 214 pounds on May 24th


It's maybe a little hard to see the differences because I'm wearing sweat pants in yesterday's picture, but I think you can see the difference better in the side view.

The things that I have lost, and gained over the last two weeks...

In my first two weeks of journaling again, my total weight loss is nine pounds. (That's right, I'm up a pound). But even though I believed that weight loss was the first, and primary reason to start up again, I've realized that it really wasn't it after all. Even after just my first two days of journaling again, the sense of being in control of my eating, and not letting it control me, was a very freeing thing. And the renewed pride in myself FOR being in control, the pounds really became secondary. Naturally losing some more weight boosted my self confidence, as my clothes started fitting me better. And I've worked out harder in this last two weeks as well, it's like it's all interlinked.
I'm just thankful that my inspiration has been renewed. I'm thankful for the church photo that they blew up and put on the greeting table of me and my boys. For in that, there was a true reality check for me. We have a way of telling ourselves that we really don't look that bad. Especially when we look back to where many of us were a couple of years ago. But you know what? I don't want to settle for just looking pretty good, for my age, for how many babies I've born, etc... I want to look, feel, and be MY BEST.

Thursday's stats: 1,925 calories, 19 glasses of water, 40 minutes on the elliptical, burning 656 calories, and I lifted 61,000 pounds.

Is it a BIRD? Is it a PLANE? NO!! It's that crazy Kristina who has worked out ELEVEN days in a row!

100_4583, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I know I look like a dork here, but my eight year old photographer LOVED this shot, ( he even showed me how to pose for it). So this one's for you, Christian.
This was taken pre-work out. If you would have seen me post work out, I'm sure I'd gross a bunch of you out.
Tomorrow will be my last day working out, for a few days anyways. I've got a really busy weekend. And the Y is closed on Monday! (Of all the nerve!)
I know most of you think that I'm crazy, I even think that I am crazy. But I've got a goal, and I'm gonna get there.

Yesterday's stats: 1,321 calories (up until after my early dinner) and then I went to a baby shower, where yummy horderves were offered. And of course the sweet stuff too. Let's just say, that I'm certain that my calories crested the 2,000 calorie mark. Anyhow, I drank 21 glasses of water, I did 1 hour of cardio, burning 814 calories, and lifted 15,000 pounds.

Doing a Little Celebratin'

I lost 3.4 pounds this week and updated my ticker. I'm celebrating because I had a short term goal of reaching 215 pounds, which I've done, so now I need a new short term goal. I want to be 199 pounds by the end of June. Do you think that's too ambitious? I am so anxious to kiss the 200's goodbye! Ooooh, this means I need to take new weight loss pics because another 10 pounds are gone since the last ones.

Quote of the week...

I was outside working in my flower beds when I struck up a conversation with my 70 year old neighbor, Tom, who was also working in his yard. I stood up, he came over, and this is what he said;' Well, now, Kristina, are you losing weight, AGAIN?... If you lose any more, the wind is going to going to come and pick you up and blow you away'.
Oh Tom, I thought to myself, if you only knew that I still weighed 181 pounds. : )

Tuesday's stats: 1,366 calories, 22 glasses of water, (and I already told you about what I did at the Y in yesterday's post).

So, Amy, How About a Date?

It has come to my attention that the Spring Hurrah is this weekend. Since I can't seem to get to my goal weight (and thus, go to the actual event), I'm going to be around this weekend. I know it's Memorial Day weekend and short notice, but would you like to get together again for coffee/tea and just celebrate our respective awesomeness?

If this weekend doesn't work, maybe we could find another that does.

Let me know!

The scale has stopped...

I've not lost anything for the last two days. But am I discouraged? Of course not. I knew it had to slow down. So what do I do, I take my butt to the gym and push myself harder than ever. Today was the first day that I've ever done a solid 70 minutes of cardio. 25 minutes on the treadmill, and 45 minutes on the elliptical. You guys, I burned 990 calories. I felt so encouraged afterwards, because I realized that yes, I was tired,(and very sweaty) but also that yes, it WAS doable. And then I went and did my weights, lifting 47,000 pounds. : ) Who is this woman that I have become?!

Here's Monday's numbers: 1,719 calories, 22 glasses of water, 1 hour of cardio, burning
833 calories, and lifting 45,000 pounds

(Finally) weighing in

Sorry I've been MIA the past couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago, I had a gain of a pound, taking me up to 162.5. Then last week, I lost 2.5, taking me down to 160.

Yes, part of the reason I stayed away that week after my gain was shame and disappointment on my part. Which I shouldn't have had, because I knew that I was letting "life" get in the way (family problems, etc) and wasn't taking proper care of myself.

Even after over a year and a half on my weight-loss journey, I still fall sometimes. I think it helps keep me from getting too comfortable and complacent, and reminds me that this is something I'll have to deal with every meal, every day, for the rest of my life.

Here's to taking things one step at a time.

5 days ladies, just five more days!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I'm with Jennifer, who else is meeting us for the Spring Hurrah on Saturday? It's at 11:30 a.m., at the Northgate Red Robin. We always have a wonderful time. Let us know if you're going to make it. Whether you lost some, gained some, or stayed the same... we want to see your smiling face.

Sounding Like A Junkie

I've scored a ten mile walk on Sunday next weekend, so I will see some of you on Saturday! Who else will be there?

New blog graphic

Today is the first day of the rest of my life...

Me and the family at the Skokomish River

Today, my husband starts his new career as an investment representative or a financial advisor for Edward Jones. He begins the lengthy training process and we begin a whole new lifestyle. Many adjustments are up ahead for us...it is kind of like expecting a new baby, accept this time, Blake is the one pregnant! Ha! Please keep me and all of us in your prayers.

On another note, I am coming off of a family vacation that included me consuming foods that are not "legal". I am having to readjust to normal life again and I am anxious to get it started right. I have my treadmill and my blog and my Sunday (now turning to Thursday nights) Prism weight loss group to keep me in tune. I will journal. I will drink my water. I will purchase and consume veggies. I will avoid meandering through the kitchen in between meals and after the children are in bed. I will only drink alcohol in moderation. I will pray. I will slow my life down and enjoy the time I have with my children. I will keep my home running smoothly and happily with a heart of devotion. I will support my husband emotionally and all other ways as he wades into new waters. I will have grace available to myself through all of this "newness". I will love my own soul, my own body and my own mind without guilt or reservation and I will love those God has put into my life.

Well, there you have it! Happy Monday to you all...

Jules

I've started and I just can't stop!

I feel like I'm addicted to working out and drinking water. But it's like, I'm afraid if I stop, that I'll start gaining my weight back again. I let it creep back up to 191.5, (UGH!!). That's what I weighed ten days ago. And now, I'm back down to 181.5. I've already lost ten pounds. I want to surf this wave as long as I can, because I know it's only a matter of days before it radically slows down again.

What put me in high gear again was seeing a photo that someone took of me a couple of weeks ago at church. I remember thinking,'wow, I thought that I looked better than that'. And then I forced myself back onto the scale the next day. I then realized that I had to get serious about my food consumption once again. That I needed to bite the bullet and journal my food. As I recall, I was very grumpy about it the first couple of days.

Anyhow, I hope you all still love me. There's not been a lot of commenting happening lately. I have been working my behind off at the Y. Today was the fifth day in a row that I did a solid hour of cardio, so I've been working for it. I HAVE been working for it. I love you guys...

Saturday: 1,616 calories, 22 glasses of water, 1 hour of cardio/ burning 802 calories, and I lifted 44,200 pounds.

Sunday: 1,441 calories, 22 glasses of water, and 1 hour of cardio/ burning 853 calories. (My most yet!)

And another pound bites the dust!

Nine pounds in nine days. I feel kinda like a contestant on The Biggest Loser... I'm in a bit of a shock, actually. If you would have told me a week and a half ago, that I would be down nine pounds, this quickly, I would have laughed in your face! But look at what discipline, and motivation have done for me lately! I'm so excited, I can't help but smile to myself as I type this out. Why is it that the thing we often need the most, generally the thing that we run from? In my case, journaling again, and being honest with my eating patterns. It occurred to me, that this is the first journaling that I've done since we've gotten our Y membership in January. I'm thinking, dude, if I would have started journaling again when we first joined the Y, I'd maybe even be at my goal by now!

Anyhow, here's yesterday's #'s:

1,517 calories, 21 glasses of water, an hour of cardio, burned 805 calories, and lifted 41,500 pounds.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to self decieve.

RATIONALIZATION:

I had a small slice of apple pie for breakfast the other day. I rationalized it contained fruit and grains and if I added a dab of ice cream, I'd have dairy. I went to the freezer. --Jerrilyn Farmer

Never underestimate the power of Rationalization.

That is the evil little nuance that makes bad not so bad.
It causes a waver in the walk.
It causes 'Slumps' and losses in motivation because it degrades ever so gently the goals of our hearts.

Be Aware of it in your own life - with food, and other things.

It looks like my hard work is really paying off!

treadmill, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Yesterday I burned more calories than I ever have for doing one hour of cardio. I really pushed myself, and between the treadmill and the elliptical, I burned 826 calories! In addition to that I dranks tons of water. And as a result, I'm down another pound. Unbelievably, I've now lost eight pounds since last Thursday, and I am soooo pumped!

Here's yesterday's stats:
1,718 calories, 21 glasses of water, and in addition to my cardio, I lifted 39,400 pounds

After I Post This I'm Going To Go Relax!

I've hit a 2 week slump. I think I've lost one pound total in the last two weeks.

Of course, I have been back to old eating habits, skipping breakfast, running to the deli for dinner because I didn't feel like cooking, and stuff like that. I'm trying to make a few other changes that are not weight related (getting organized, clearing house clutter, that kind of thing) and it has really thrown me for a loop. I was doing okay when I was concentrating on eating and exercise alone, but throw in trying to be a better mom and take care of the house and homeschooling more efficiently, and I lose it.

I have a shaky day planner system in place, and that is helping me, but getting the system up and running requires establishing a new habit which always drains me of so much energy for some reason. I'm starting to feel crazy busy, trying to fit longer walks into my day, wrapping up the homeschooling year which means getting the kids tested, (I love jumping through those hoops!)and stepping up my fund raising efforts.

On top of that, my aunt called me to remind me that my mom's 60th birthday is this year. I told her I had been so wrapped up in my own momentous year, that I'd completely forgotten about my mom. I'll be doing the 3-Day Walk in the beginning of September, and then after that celebrating my 20th anniversary, which has me planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, and then I'll be turning 40, which just has me obsessing about my wrinkles and aching bones. Now, I'm planning a surprise birthday party for my mom whose sister will be flying out from Minnesota for the occasion. Whew! Are you feeling the stress?!

All of this has me running into the arms of the Lord BEGGING him to replace my heart with his. I wish I had been practicing spending more time with him long before now because if I had made THAT a habit before trying to change the rest of my life, I would be feeling peace and serenity instead of the anxiety stew I'm simmering in now. This is good, though, because God knows I need a real reason to change before I get off my butt, and I'm thanking him that all of the STUFF provoking this change is GOOD STUFF and not crises. He is so good, and in his presence I will find peace. Maybe then I'll stop eating everything but the wallpaper.

Update

So, umm, yeah, it didn't work out. Bummer.

Otherwise things have gone okay. Lots of stress, but I've been doing a good job of avoiding the chocolate and other things that are no good for me.

My love to you all,
Lisa

One week journaling again, and I'm down S-E-V-E-N pounds!!!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

My eyes about popped out of my head this morning when I weighed myself. I mean, I know that I worked out extra hard yesterday, and drank SOOOO much water, but I was down another three pounds just from yesterday. Seven is a huge number, I am SO motivated again!

Here's my numbers from the last couple of days:

Tuesday: 1,759 calories, 18 glasses of water, and I burned 325 calories on the elliptical, and lifted 43,700 pounds.

Wednesday: 1,359 calories, 20 glasses of water, and a solid 60 minutes of cardio. Between the treadmill and the elliptical, I burned 780 calories, and I lifted 37, 500 pounds.

Tuesday

Good day today. TOday was our homeschool park day and I took only snacks I can eat.

I blew it at dinner as a ate double what would not have been a bad dinner. SO I headed to the gym and did the elliptical for 35 minutes and the treadmill for 20 while watching "Dancing with the Stars".

I had net 1463 calories for the day.

Tomorrow my father, my boys and I are headed about 5 hours south to attend the funeral of my great aunt. She was 88 and has had Alzheimer's for the past 5 years. She was a lovely lady and will be missed by her family. She is a believer and it will be a celebration of her entrance to heaven. Pray for me that I can eat in control and eat right while on the road. Pray for Aunt Margaret's children as the learn to be without their mother. She was my grandfather (2 of 9)'s youngest sister (9 of 9). He was 21 when she was born. The oldest 7 were boys and the youngest two were girls.

Reminder on the Spring Hurrah!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

We are meeting in eleven days, on Saturday May 26th at the Northgate Red Robin. At approximately 11:30 a.m., that is our usual time.
And Jennifer, it would be SO GREAT to meet you in person! You had mentioned possibly making it. I thought you lived far, far away. But maybe not so far after all?
We always have a wonderful time chatting over lunch, swapping our "fluffy" photos, and of course, shopping. Let's make an effort to have the biggest turn out yet!

Lunch in a week or so

What time are you all planning to meet next Saturday? I'd love to meet you ladies. I have a training walk in the morning, but if lunch isn't too early I might have time to run home, shower, and then drive north.

This is my very best Mother's Day image.
We have a new child in our home, and we are SO loving having her.

Wanted to share this with my lady friends on the blog - she's one reason I get up fighting each day :-)

Just reporting Monday's stats...

I've been doing really well with my diet this week. And journaling is not as big of a pain as it was the first day, I'm getting a little used to it again. What I'm really loving though, is the feeling that I am in control again. In control and really aware of what I'm putting into my body. I have a renewed inspiration to lose more and to tone up more.

So here's the #'s from yesterday:

1,613 calories, 19 glasses of water, and had a great workout at the Y. I'm still kinda babying my foot, so I'm sticking with the elliptical for a couple of more days. Anyhow, yesterday on the ellip., I did 35 minutes, burning 532 calories, and I lifted 57,025 pounds. And I felt wonderful for the rest of the day!

Monday (and a little Sunday too)

I wrote about Mother's Day on my blog. I just ate what I wanted which is so out of control.

Today is a new day. I have written down every bite. I am using this website which is cool and fun and free to boot.

I ate 1636 cal, burned off 514 at the Y on the weights and treadmill. Drank 12 glasses of H2O.

I read my Bible this morning before anyone got up. We got all our schoolwork done today. Most the laundry is done.

I still have not tackled the time from after dinner to bedtime but I have good fruit in the house and veggies. I bought some 100 cal popcorn which was a good suggestion from Lisa. I am going to make some hot tea and read a good book, maybe take a hot bath and get to bed on time. (Fatigue is one of my triggers.)

The fin'l issues have not resolved, the kids still fight, Honey is still stressed at work, there is more to clean in my house than there are hours in the day but God is still in control and I can eat in control and in His will for my life.

A couple of shots from Mother's day!

100_4544, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Me & 2 of my monkeys

100_4541, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

I'm just reporting my stats from yesterday. My third day journaling, and I've lost another half of a pound! 3 1/2 pounds in three days. I must have been retaining alot of water. Regardless, the scale is going down, baby!

From yesterday:
1,600 calories, 18 glasses of water,( that's right), and I made it to the Y to work out. Still no running, my foot is still kinda sore. But I did do 30 minutes on the elliptical, burning 452 calories. And I did lift 50,000 pounds. : )

No journaling today. But back on the horse tomorrow. Perhaps I'll post some photos of my boys and I later. Have a wonderful day ladies!!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all you mothers a Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Coreen

The key to my success!

Queenlivalot and Papa gave us this wonderful treadmill to work out on in the comfort of our own home! Wonderful timing as we are going to have to let our Y membership go while Blake is transitioning into his new career as an investment representative for Edward Jones. I think it is the key for me to letting go of these last 20 lbs. I have worked out 6 x's this week! A new record for me!

Jules

Two days journaling, & I'm happy with the results

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

As much as I don't enjoy journaling, I'm loving the results. I'm down another pound from yesterday. Making that three pounds in two days baby. Even though my calories are still somewhat high, I'm drinking tons of water, and eating only healthy things.

Yesterday's stats:
1,725 calories, 16 glasses of water. ( I didn't work out after all, my foot was bugging me from the run the day before).

I'll let you know how I did today in a post tomorrow. But I'm not planning on journaling on Mother's Day.

Thursday and Friday

Sorry for two days together. May busyness is getting to me!! Thursday was our last Community Bible Study for the year and we had a huge brunch. I am in leadership and had to make a breakfast casserole for the day. I made one with part Egg Beaters (for the color) and Egg whites. Turkey Bacon, WW bread and skim milk. It was delicious and good for you. I did eat one sweet bread but only one.

The rest of Thursday was a blurr as was Friday. I know I did not eat great but not bad either.

Today I am going to WRITE IT DOWN. I have my journal out and before it goes in, I write it down. Stay tuned tomorrow for an update. (I know you can't wait)

As soon as the child who stayed up till midnight is up, I am headed to the gym. Childcare 'till 1:00.

I think I have been being a bit (ok a big bit) of an oppositional child. "I can eat what I want, you can't tell me what to eat, I don't want my food to be restricted, I just want it." GOd has convicted me that this is just rebellion and He is right. I have been being rebellious. I need to turn myself, especially in the area of eating, over to His will for my life. Today, I am going to eat in His Will, not my own.

Just as I would not feed my children a diet of junk food and too many carbs, God will limit me in what I eat as a loving parent who wants what is best for his daughter. He is not punishing me by limiting what I eat. He is guiding me in my food choices and giving me what food is best for my body.

Thank you God for being my loving parent!!

Until tomorrow.
AMy

Quote to Carry You Forward

" Nothing tastes as good as THIN feels"

One day at a time

Here I am, reporting my journaling from yesterday like I said I would. Yesterday was the first time in a long time time that I actually recorded everything that I put in my mouth. I must say, I'm out of practice. But I did it, even though I didn't feel like it. So here's the stats:

1,700 calories, 14 glasses of water, and excersized. I ran 2.2 in the morning,( lots of hills!) And then I walked that same 2.2 with the boys early in the afternoon, to play at the park.

You know, I was a bit grumpy to be journaling again, because I have been allowing myself more treats lately... but not yesterday. When you take the time to see the calorie content, it really makes you think twice about popping it in your mouth. What my body needs is proper fuel, not a temporary sugar high. I opted for the sliced up sweet red peppers for a snack yesterday, instead of a bit of candy. And in making that right choice, I felt sooo good, so in control. And all of that water I know helped flush my system a bit. I'm down a solid two pounds from just yesterday. I'll weigh again tomorrow, for a better guage. I'm not too excited about the weight, yet, because I'd gained like 4 1/2 pounds over the last couple of weeks. I'm still a few away from what what my ticker says. : ( We'll see what the magic number says tomorrow. I'm going to be getting my van today, so YMCA, here I come!!

Wednesday

Made it to the gym last night. Walked on the treadmill 50 minutes while watching Oprah.

At pretty good eating today. It is the time between when the kids go to bed and I go to bed that are killers. I think I need to save some good food for that time of the night.

Spent some time with the Lord today. Read and meditated on James 1:2-4

2Count it all joy, Amy,
when you meet trials (overeating, cookies, anger) of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of Amy's faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that Amy may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (enough food).

I have to be accountable and you all bless me by your feedback. (oh yea, my name was not really in the Bible, I just was personalizing it)

Uggh. But in a good way, sort of.

After spending the last month eating very well (and the last few months eating fairly well), I am unable to eat badly without feeling more than a little yucky. Today's lunch was barbeque - wonderful barbeque - and I've come to the realization that I am simply not meant to eat that much fat in one sitting.

While it was yummy, I think I feel one of Jules' aptly-named "food hangovers" coming on. And I have to make it to tennis tonight to work some of this off.

One foot in front of the other!

That's right, I have found a new way to get my body moving, enjoy the fine air, and guess what? The scale is moving!

This morning, I stepped on the scale and my moving average is that I'm 153.8 lbs! Considering I started out 'again' at 164 and wasn't able to continue riding horses as often, I was really pleased.

One of my dogs, Mr Bill (here pictured with my hubby and me in LA this past weekend) has really gotten buff since taking him on these walks. I figure if I can see the difference in HIM, then I probably have changed too, even if the scale doesn't move around too much.

I wanted to encourage you all - if you can't work out at a gym, to take a lil walk.

I'm loving it!

I've earned my red star at the Y!

red-star, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

After my run this morning, I logged it in my Fitlinxx online, and it just pushed me over the 50,000 fit points mark!
I am van-less until tomorrow, as it is in the shop. The last couple of days I've not been able to make it to the Y and I've really missed it. Anyhow, I thought I'd at least get a run in early this morning while my husband was still home. I much rather prefer running on the treadmill, indoors, where the temperature is controlled. Outdoors, especially at 5:50 in the morning, the air is so cool, ohhh, how my lungs burned in protest!
Another cool thing that I've accomplished this week, is that I've had my 100th work out since we've become members at the Y in January. Now if I can just get a better handle on my eating as of late, I know I could get some more of these pounds lifted off of me. I need to start journaling again, and I don't want to. I'll start doing it again today, and let you know how I've done tomorrow. I need to have accountability if I want to press forward.

Tuesday Night

I still ate terrible last night but not as terrible as the night before. I did not get to the gym as a friend has a crisis at work and needed to talk (for 2 hours) on the phone. But, last night I had a divine intervention.

Here was my evening devotional:

A New Song

You are being led forth. You have crossed the Red Sea.

Your wilderness wanderings are nearly over. Behold I make all things new.

A new birth, a new heart, a new life, a new song.

Let this time be to you a time of renewal.

Cast away all that is dead. Truly live the Risen Life.

In mind and spirit turn out all that offends.

It is now Wednesday and I have already cleaned house and gotten things back in order. I am planning healthy meals. I will get to the gym at 4 so the twins can go to the kid's exercise class too. The laundry is almost caught up. I am headed to finish folding it.

The kids are getting to bed earlier and are better behaved and in better moods. I am getting more sleep. We had a furious thunder storm last night and today everything looks washed and new. I feel the same way.

Eating on the run

I noticed something recently.

For some reason, food tastes better to me when I'm "on the run." I think it's all in my head, actually.

It's almost like I think I'm SO important, I can't even take a few minutes to have a decent meal.

And while yes, sometimes I'm going from one meeting or interview to another, and have to eat on the go, I know it isn't the best thing for my health.

(For one thing, the number of healthy foods one can eat while driving is somewhat limited)

Did you know that in Europe, where people tend to be healthier than we Americans, the cars don't come with nearly as many cupholders? They just don't eat in their cars the way we do!

Does anyone else experience this? I'm having to retrain myself, even at this point in my weight loss journey, that I'm worth the extra time it takes to enjoy and really taste my food - every time I eat.

Accountability-I NEED YOU ALL

Right now I am a bit needy:

I need to write down and post my food for each day.
I need to track and post my exercise each day.
I need to count my water.
I need to talk about how I am feeling each day.
I need to be held accountable.

Basically today sucked.(can you say that on a PG blog)
I ate horribly. I ate ice cream, three pieces of fried chicken and two slices of pizza. Not a very good day. I did get to the YMCA and walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes and burned 378 calories. (that was the good part of the day)

Today, I woke up not feeling to great and we did not get any school work done. I had done laundry all day yesterday and today. The kitchen was a mess. There are some fin'l issues going on. (nothing major but I am fretting over it)It seems I am eating over it too. The kids had a busy weekend and they are overtired and misbehaving. I had been letting them stay up later and later and it has caught up with them. Tonight they are in bed and asleep on time. I need to disciplined so they too can be disciplined. I need to get to bed on time and not stay up fretting. My heavenly Father cares about my problems and tonight I am placing them in His hands.

So I am back to posting daily how it went. It is what works for me. Writing down daily. Posting daily. Drinking enough water. Exercising. Sharing with you all.

Gearing Up for...?

Okay, ladies, big things are afoot! In addition to maintaining my recent weight loss and losing a little more (which will not be reflected on the ticker until I can verify it wasn't just because I was dehydrated), I have some potentially good things in the works.

I haven't been happy the last few (6-9) months and a lot of that has had to do with where I've been working. I feel underutilized, overpatronized, underpaid and unappreciated - a combination that has been more than enough to send me running for the chocolate. I've been praying that our heavenly father will point me in the direction of what he has planned for me since I'm pretty sure that this isn't it. As always, He is coming through for me and giving me some hope.

I'm (hopefully) headed into the final rounds of the interview process with a firm that I really like, and one that I think is a much better fit than where I am now. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

It's amazing, however, how a little hope affects my weight. I gained back 11 pounds because I was unhappy and couldn't seem to lose it. A few weeks of courting and being courted by this firm and I drop nearly 7 of it seemingly by magic. I know that this doesn't bode well for my future success - after all, life isn't always bunnies and unicorns and I can't always gain and lose weight based on whether things are going my way or not. So that is one additional aspect of myself that I will be working on: trusting in His plan for me and letting go of so much of the stress and bad habits that I grab ahold of when I forget that I am able to turn myself over to him completely.

Just the same, I hope the plan gets me out of here soon.

Love to my Ladies,
Lisa

This might explain why we are so complicated...

Love you guys! You are all doing terrific!

Jules

Weighing in

I had a feeling I'd had a good weight-loss week, and then it was confirmed at my weigh in.

I reached the -75 pound mark last night.

I now weigh 161.5.

The closer I get to my goal, the more concerned I become about keeping it off. Will I become just another statistic? Or will I "buck the odds," so to speak, and maintain my loss?

I guess I've got a few more months to figure that out.

Eating Right

Well duh. This list makes it all seem so much simpler than I think we all tend to make it.

I've noticed that when I've been doing the things on this list (hey! even before I knew there was a list because I'm an overachiever like that, sometimes, maybe) is when this whole losing weight thing has done best for me. Especially the working food into my diet part.

I hope you ladies have a blessed weekend, and hope you enjoy the article.

This month in the Minivan

This month has been a humdinger. I have continued to go to the Y which has been the redeeming part of the whole month. I earned 4604 Fit points which puts me in the 91st percentile. I'll take an A any day. I earned my "White Belt" which means I have more than 15000 points since Jan 1st. This is the good part of the month.

Were it not for all the fit points I would probably have gained a ton but as it is I have only gained 2 pounds since March.

My eating is out of control. I find myself planning to binge which is bad thing. Tonight I was plotting to go to Sonic and get Tater Tots. Instead, I went and got a big glass of H2O with lime and decided to tell you all about it. April is an emotional month for me but that is not reason to blow it. (To know about my April, read here and here.)

6pm on seems to be the worst time of the day. I do good at breakfast and lunch and then blow it after dinner time. I am going to try to drink more water in the evenings.

It is now May and swimsuit weather is just around the corner. The pool opened this past weekend and the boys have already had one dip. Shorts are next. The fresh food I love is starting to show up in the stores; cantaloupe, summer squash, green beans, okra, tomatoes, sweet corn, and sweet onions. We are almost done with school work. Come on SUMMER!!!

Not as good as last month, but noteworthy still...

Here are the my fitlinxx stats from last month at the YMCA:

I lifted 711,630 pounds. Ranking me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 3rd for the entire Y! : )

I earned 13,961 fit points. Ranking me 1st in my age group, 1st for all women, and 3rd over all.

I burned 11,400 calories. Ranking me 2nd in my age group, 10th for all women, and 21st over all.

I even tried a new class today. An hour long step aerobic class! It was tough, and for a portion of it, I felt a bit dorky, as I could not keep up with the fancy foot work. But I am definetly going back. It's fun to try new things. And even though I think I was the biggest girl in the class, I will not let it disuade me. Most of these women had long, beautiful limbs, and nice flat bellies... ah, such is life. I'm getting there. I AM GETTING THERE. Not that I could possibly make my limbs any longer though. : )

May Day

Hello everyone!

I am so encouraged that you are still around. We just returned from the happiest place on earth. It was a wonderful vacation. Really. Our family was so united and just happy to be together. But I have been away from the computer. Had a great time eating. Not too much, not deprivation, just right. Still can't make the scale move. Filling out my size 14. But still around......

Love to you all
SueAnne

May First!

Its May Day.
Its the day that you can tell yourself, "In one month, I may....."

I may weigh 5 lbs less.

I may run 5 miles (or minutes) longer.

I may lose a dress size.

What May you do this May?

On a Roll

After another week of behaving myself and generally watching what I eat, I'm down another 2.5 pounds. I have 8 pounds to go to reach my short term goal (which is to be back where I was last fall by the end of May) and I'm feeling good about it.

I've been eating a ton of veggies (especially sugar snaps, squash, and cucumber salad) and whole grains (long-grain brown rice, anyone?) and getting enough calcium. Unfortunately, I have to keep reminding myself to get some protein since I've been eating virtually no meat and that has translated into the occasional supper of scrambled eggs. All in all, though, pretty good.

Another Ticker Change

I just wanted to explain quickly why I changed my ticker today. Remember a few months ago when I mentioned that I was afraid to say how much I weighed. Well, of course you don't, I almost forgot myself, so click here! ;-) Anyway, I decided I've moved from shame about the number that used to be on the scale to pride that I've finally started really making progress in the area of health and fitness. So, I changed my starting weight on my ticker from the weight I was when I was finally brave enough to admit how much I weighed to the weight I was when I was too ashamed to admit it. Did that make any sense?

Plateau over (hopefully!)

I lost weight this week, for the first time in about three weeks. I'm so excited! It's just half a pound, but it's something. I did a ticker too:




And yes, Jules, I will be needing your help to add it to the bottom!

Ticker Update

Just checking in. I updated my ticker. I'm down another 1.6 pounds this week. That along with last week's whopping 4 pound loss make a nice weekly average of 2.8 pounds lost per week. I'm pretty happy with that. I've even enjoyed several favorite meals over the last two weeks. My husband and I have started taking salsa dancing lessons, so along with the walking I've been pretty active. I am also very pleased that a good percentage of this weight seems to have melted from my tummy. It looked almost flat this morning, still W I D E, but flatter. Ha!

Funny Faces for Funny Laughs in your Brain

What's the point of this photo?

To make you smile.

This is Nat, Samantha and Julia - my three girls - and they always make ME smile, so I thought you'd enjoy the silly faces.

Those of you know about our past few months realize this is a miracle photo. All the girls together! Praise God!

Enjoy!

Ticker's Heavy

Over the past couple weeks, I've been paying more attention to myself and - even if I haven't been particularly inspired, I've been doing what I know to be right as far as diet and exercise. And it's paying off.

Although I'm not thrilled that this is weight that I'd already taken off (actually, it was right around this time last year - uggh), I've dropped 3.5 pounds in the last 2 1/2 weeks. So now I'm just going to keep on it and hopefully reach my short term goal (back to where I was last September) by the end of May.

Making and breaking goals... oh what a feeling!

Last week I had set a goal to do a solid hour of cardio at least three times, in addition to my regular weight lifting. Normally, I average 25-35 minutes of cardio five days a week, so this was a challenge for me. But I did it girls! Three times last week I ran four miles straight on the treadmill, and two of those days I did an additional mile+ on the elliptical machine. Yesterday, I knew I wasn't going to run as much, and was going to focus more on the weights, so I ran two miles, and at my fastest pace yet. My first mile was 10:40, and my second was 9:40. I felt so good, and I felt so strong. I thought to myself, who would have known that I could feel this wonderful after RUNNING of all things? I certainly didn't envision myself a year ago as a runner. I just thank God that He's given me the strength to make such radical, and healthy changes! : )

A little about me

First off, let me say I'm thrilled to be a part of this great community. Even after a year and a half on my weight loss journey, I still need the support of others!

My name is Melissa. I'm 30, have been married for nearly nine years to my best friend Jason, and we have one daughter, Anna Marie, who is five and a half. She'll start kindergarten this fall, a late start due to her October birthday.

I'm the news editor at a small community paper in north Mississippi. That means I have the "honor" of attending all sorts of government meetings, school events, and other community happenings. Then I have the "honor" of writing about them and putting together the front pages for two sections and an editorial page. I also write one or two feature stories per week, and a local editorial.

Phew!

I've been overweight for most of my life, compounded by my love of food and my aversion to exercise. My mom told me that I'd grow "up" as a teen and "thin out." She didn't know I'd stay 5'2" and round.

When I got the news editor job, I knew I'd be in public a lot more and needed to feel more confident about my appearace. I was also turning 29 then, and knew that if I didn't try to lose some weight now, I'd have a harder time (and more health problems) as time went on. I walked into our local Weight Watchers meeting weighing 237 pounds in August of 2005.

I now weigh (as of last night) 163.5, a loss of 73.4 pounds. It hasn't always been easy, but I figure the longer it takes me to lose it the better I'll do at keeping it off (right? That's the upside to this, isn't it?) I have about 30 pounds left, which will mean my weight loss will be somewhere in the 100 pound range.

I haven't lost any weight the past two weeks, which kind of has me down, but I know it's just a temporary plateau and I'll power through it.

Again, I thank Jules for inviting me into your community. Hopefully, I'll be able to give some help in return for all I've gotten! And I look forward to getting to know each of you better.

Welcome, Melissa!

Welcome to our newest lady, Melissa! She happened upon our blog one day and I read her post. I know she will add a lot to this place and I hope we can all come behind her and lift her up to help her realize her dreams! Welcome, Melissa, please introduce yourself to us soon! Jules

Spring Hurrah...

Okay, how about the 19th or the 26th of May instead? I think Ernie's birthday is the 19th? Not exactly sure, but we have to have our very own Elicia join us this time! Either one of those dates is fine by me. What say you all?

The Spring Hurrah is in 24 days!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

Saturday May 12th is our next event! Yes, believe it or not, only twenty-four days remain before we come together again at the imfamous Northgate Red Robin.
Now, I know that alot of us haven't lost anything lately, some of us have even gained over the Winter months. But isn't that all of the more reason to come together and encourage one another? Come on girls, let's see what we can do between now and then!

Missing some of you.

Hello crew. I am missing reading posts and comments from some of my favorite women....how we all doing? Lets have a roll call:

1. name

2. current weight or current "place" you are at

3. ultimate goal

4. short term goal

5. strategies to get there

6. biggest inspiration

7. biggest "trigger" to the old ways

8. best complement you have received on your weight loss.

Almost 10 Pounds

The pictures on the left were taken on March 4th. I weighed 234.2 pounds and was wearing size 18. The ones on the right are from today (April 16th) and I weigh 225 pounds and I'm wearing size 16. I'm ten pounds away from my short term goal of 215 and I have 65 pounds more to lose until I reach my ultimate goal of 165 pounds.

The walking is going really well too. I get together with other 3-day walkers in training on Saturdays and we're increasing our mileage each week. I notice that every week I feel better and stronger on these walks. That feels as good as watching the numbers on the scale go down, and putting on smaller jeans.

Good News and Bad News

The bad news is the scale has only moved .4 pounds in over 2 weeks. The good news is that it moved down, not up. I've updated my ticker. Oh, and more good news: last Saturday I walked 5.1 miles, which is a new record for me (in the last 15 years).

This is a long note:Surgery went well so far

Hello everyone,

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I have had a rough time since I was brave enough to take that great step aerobics class at the Y. It was about 4 1/2 -5 weeks ago. I was fine that day. I felt so encouraged and healthy and fit. The next day I also felt ok. The third day I went down, meaning my back went out.

My husband had to take me to the ER and they said that I must have re-injured my back and pinched my sciatica nerves down the back of my legs. In 2002 I had a lumbar discectomy at the L4-5 level. Long story kind of short, I had a shot in the bum then went home. The next week I was back in the ER for the same thing, and the next week also.

Finally God sent me a spine doc in Everett. And of course he suggested an MRI which I had last Saturday (3/31). That showed a very narrow nerve root at my L4-L5 and L5- S1 lumbar spine. For those of you who do not know, that is at your tail bone. So today at exactly 1:34pm I was on the surgery table in Everett at the Trask Surgery Center. I must say that that was the WORST 7 MINUTES of my life. I have never ( even after a c-section) had that kind of horrible pain given to me.

I had a procedure called a Caudal Epidural at the L5-S1 level (my tailbone). This is a steroid injection put into my nerve root going down both legs. This is supposed to open my nerve paths to relieve pressure going down my legs. So far I can say that it has worked about 60%. The medicine that was given during the surgery has made me vomit with night sweats and extreme headaches. The doc said that this would happen and I should take caffiene of all things, to relieve the headaches.

So far so good. I hope that this is going to work with some physical therapy because if not the doc wants to fuse my spine, which is binding my last three discs together for good. This would cause me to move very limited. I am trying to advoid it. Sorry this is so long. Need less to say, I am still doing pretty well with my diet despite the problems, but exercise will come back shortly. Love you all and will update shorter versions later. Again, sorry so long. Kim

Wow! What do ya say to THAT?

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I was humbled yesterday as we were leaving church, a woman that I really don't know very well approached my husband, and this is what she said; ' Your wife looks just stunning'. I was speechless. I mean, I think I mumbled a thankyou, but I was a little embarrassed.
We are our own worst critics, though, aren't we? We tend to see all of the flaws in our own appearance. My thing lately, is noticing the wrinkles that are becoming more apparent. I'm almost 39, and at this point in time we're suppose to have them ...right? But that doesn't make it any easier to see them in your own reflection. I've just conceded that I'm going to do the best I can, with what I've been given. I'm going to be a runner, and I'm going to be fit. And those days like yesterday, where most of us eat more than we should. I'm going to run an extra mile or two, just like I did this morning. And I'm going to love myself, whether the scale stays the same or not, because I am worth loving.

Jules checks in...

Hey crew! It is the morning after the resurrection, and I am feeling like a new year has begun in my life. I haven't been posting much because I have been caught in a whirlwind of homeschooling, birthdays (Reese in March, Riley in April), starting the new weight loss group at my home, my husband changing careers and just general craziness around the Paine home. My sister-in-law moved in with us almost 3 months ago and that has affected my life as well. Lots of emotional opportunities around here for me to get caught up in (and eat with). The good news is that I have maintained my weight loss with diligence. I have had to be really determined to watch myself. The bummer is I am still that 1.8 or 1.4 lbs away from breaking into the 150's. I have been hovering here now for a long time. I have had to focus so much on just the maintenance part of my weight loss (not getting caught up in the sorrow of other's lives or the celebrations) that I have not had the extra gumption to go anywhere beyond that. But that is all apart of life, I suppose.
I have been visiting the Y about 3 times a week, rarely missing my yoga class, but I know that my body needs more than this. I went on such a beautiful spring walk the other day with Mandi, I was inspired to keep the exercise factor up in my life. Kristina and Lisa and Amy are very inspirational in the workout side of life. Thanks, girls. And Jennifer, you are really an encouragement as far as the weight loss goes. Good for you, girl!
Well, that is about it. I am looking forward to the spring and summer. Ready to challenge myself and have fun with my family. I will try to post more often. Love to all.

(pictures are of me making Easter dinner for 19)
Jules

Checking in

Hello everyone,
I am still around. Still hanging out on my plateau. Love the fitlinxx though. It really rocks. I love seeing some numbers of accomplishment somewhere, even if it is not the scale. I am just coming out of a major fibromyalgia episode. It was yucky and depressing, but I am hanging in there. Softball season has started again, so Ben Gay is my new best friend:)

Happy Easter everyone.
He is risen!
SueAnne

Happy Easter

Eggs, ducks, the Resurrection of our Lord, Ham and family, restoration with God, candy...

Please tell me I'm not the only one who has a godly thought between practical thoughts when I think of Easter. I'm sure many of you are wondering how you'll be 'good' tomorrow with such a delectable holiday emerging.

Here's how I'm going to do it - To eat and drink and breathe unto the Lord.

Yup, that's right - whatever I eat, I will eat it with gratitude.
Whatever I drink, I will drink it to be benefit of my body and soul.
Whenever I breathe, to speak, to laugh, to well, just breathe, I will do it unto the Lord.

Tell yourselves to revel in the wonder that is the Resurrection - and how its manifested in your own life. I can tell you - Kris is resurrected - she's free from the old body. As she is free in her body, may she also be free in her heart.

Think about your own resurrections - things you counted as dead that have been returned to you-flush with life.

That's what I'm gonna try to do - happy EASTER LADIES!

HE IS RISEN!

Tidings

I'm headed out for the weekend, ladies, but I wanted to wish each of you a very blessed Easter (and continuing, slightly belated passover for those so inclined) before I went. Don't eat (too m)any ears off the chocolate bunnies!

Athena's Fit Linxx Stats and some stuff

Here are my FitLinxx stats for March..[The person in the lead for the entire gym is also female and I know her. She is a long distance runner who runs about 8 miles each night and does weights too. She is maybe a size 2 soaking wet and is in my age group.] I am never going to catch her. There was a time when I would beat myself up for not keeping up with someone whos goals were higher than I could achieve but age and experience have taught me not to try. So with her 17,554 points, I am just going to be happy with working out 4 days a week and shrinking.

82nd for the whole gym
39th for all women in our gym
13th for women my age (40-49)

I have discovered a new website. Someone may have already mentioned it but it is so awsome I have to do it again. Calorie-count.com is a FREE website where you can track your food and activity each day. It is awsome. I had decided that after years of tracking WW points, I needed to get real and track actual calories. I have only been doing it for 3 days but I love that I can go over to the computer and mark my food.

Things are good around here and I love reading all your success!!! Lisa, I am pulling for you...let's do tea again soon or maybe a date on the treadmill at the Y. Jennifer, WAY TO GO!! Kristina, you never cease to amaze me. Jules, Thank you for this great place to be.

Love you guys,
Amy

My fitlinxx stats for March!

I set some goals for working out for the month of March, and I surpassed them!
Last month, I lifted 974,524 pounds. Ranking me first in my age group, first for all women, and SECOND for the entire YMCA!!
I earned 19,160 fit points. Ranking me first in my age group, first for all women, and third for the whole Y.
I burned 14,471 calories. Ranking me first in my age group, third for all women, and seventh for the whole Y.

Deja Vu

I know I don't usually post so often, but I've decided to reset my ticker. Again. I've gained so much weight back over the last four months that it hasn't been acurate for quite awhile. In fact, I look at it now and laugh...probably a good sign that I've got some work to do.

I don't food journal like most of you, but in the name of accountability, I can tell everybody what I ate yesterday. Breakfast: yogurt, scone. Lunch: cucumber orange salad, apple and tuna salad (no mayo), yogurt. Afternoon: a handful of M&Ms off the receptionist's desk. Dinner 1 (pre-racquetball): dry cereal. Dinner 2 (3 hours later): cucumber salad, apple, 2 thin mints. 5 cups of tea, 8 glasses of water, and the proverbial partridge in the pear tree.

Today I will do well. And not be so tired when I get home that I wind up eating the same thing I had for lunch.

No Pressure Now...

I suppose it's no secret that I've hit a wall lately, which has left me pretty indifferent to everything. How I keep the house, what I do at work, how I've been eating, and whether I'm getting enough exercise. In short, a pretty big case of the blahs.

It's not that I'm bored or unhappy, I'm just seriously lacking in inspiration and trying to break out of it is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I've been trying to manufacture my own inspiration - the March challenge, or running next to someone at the Y since I'm so stubborn that I won't slack off if someone is watching - but it hasn't been working. But the weather is getting gorgeous, shaking off the last of winter, so I'll try something new.

This week I have good, healthy foods prepared and in the fridge. My kitchen is clean, the closets in the house are organized, and I finally went through various cupboards and got rid of the things I no longer use. I took the train to work this morning, walking to the station and I will (have to) walk home again this evening. I have racquetball scheduled for tonight, tennis for tomorrow and Thursday, and either Wednesday or Friday I will go to the Y. In short, I am set up for a week of success.

And Jennifer - with her incredible progress so far (yeah for the new jeans!) - and Kristina - running races that a year ago she thought were impossible - are my inspiration for the week.

We'll see how it goes.

My dad and I running our first race together!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

This Saturday, my dad, (his dog), and I ran our first race together, it was a 5k in Arlington. It was a really big deal for me to accomplish this. I've only been running for about 2 1/2 months, and only on the treadmill. It was a challenge for me to run outdoors. The course was mild enough, but it was very windy. But I completed it, and at a ten minute a mile pace, my fastest yet. I've come so far in fifteen months, and I'm very proud of myself.

Tryin' to hear the dude with the blow horn, right before the race...

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

32:01 at the finish! Yeah me!!

, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.